This week, Congressman Andy Biggs introduced the Federal Land Freedom Act. This legislation would empower states to control the development and production of all forms of energy on all available federal land within their state boundaries.
Biggs says the legislation should also cut red tape that hinders a state’s ability to develop energy resources on federal land.
“The Biden Administration has launched a war on American energy so states must take matters into their own hands,” said Biggs in a press release. “My legislation would help states increase energy production by eliminating overbearing bureaucratic red tape and expanding available land for energy production.
“America offers robust energy resources. They must be used to help curb inflation and make the nation energy independent again,’ explained Biggs. “For years, Senator Inhofe has championed this bill in the Senate. His leadership on energy issues will be missed in the new Congress. I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead this important legislation in the House of Representatives.”
- The bill gives each state the right to develop all of the energy resources on the federal lands located within that state’s borders. Federal lands that will not apply: Indian lands, national parks, units of the National Wildlife Refuge System and Congressionally designated wilderness areas.
- The bill allows a state to develop a regulatory program governing the leasing and permitting of energy activities on its federal land. None of the actions taken by a state to lease or permit lands would be subject to judicial review. Further, the act will exempt the activities under the “program” from the requirements of NEPA, ESA and National Historic Preservation Act. It will also not be subject to the Administrative Procedures Act.
- The bill retains the current royalty share between states and the federal government under the Mineral Leasing Act (essentially 50–50); it does, however, reverse the flow of cash. Operators will now pay royalties to states, which will then send the federal government’s share to the treasury.
Co-sponsors include: Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Representative Chris Stewart (R-UT), Representative Stephanie Bice (R-OK), and Representative Paul A. Gosar DDS (R-AZ).